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6 mistakes to avoid when renting an RV

6 mistakes to avoid when renting an RV

There is nothing quite like road trips, and traveling in an RV (recreational vehicle) can be a great way to explore new places in absolute comfort. It is the perfect home on wheels to enjoy national parks, coasts, or the countryside. But buying an RV is not the only way to have such experiences; one can always rent an RV. However, before one does that, they should do their research to avoid making costly mistakes. 

1. Choosing the wrong RV
To choose the right RV, one should begin by determining their requirements. For instance, one should know the kind of performance one expects their RV to deliver. But, instead of focusing on one or two factors, one should carefully review all the pros and cons of shortlisted models. For instance, choosing a bigger RV does not necessarily mean one would get more space and comfort. It can mean having to drive around a huge vehicle and spending time finding the right parking spot. So, one should consider all the available options and choose one that meets most requirements.

2. Ignoring the fine print
One may rush the process of renting an RV, skipping reading the fine print in the rental contract. But that is a mistake. One should thoroughly read everything and seek clarification regarding terms that seem unclear. It is important to avoid signing the rental contract until one is aware of all the terms. Also, one should carefully check the RV specs and amenities. One should ensure all the amenities they want are mentioned in the contract. Also, check the cancellation policy, as one may not enjoy staying or traveling in an RV as much as they expected and would want to terminate the rental contract. A lenient cancellation policy would be preferable here. Also, one should check the RV’s mileage, estimated fuel costs, insurance, and tank details. The documents might also discuss the next steps in case something on the RV breaks.

3. Skipping the test drive
Driving an RV can be quite a unique experience if one has never driven a huge vehicle before. So, it is important to take a test drive and see if one can handle the vehicle before they hit the road. Test drives are equally important for those familiar with RVs. Every vehicle is different, so testing the RV beforehand can help one check its features and ease of driving. One should also find a space where they can conduct the test drive and try reversing, parking, and taking turns. One should be able to figure out the blind spots of the vehicle and how to adjust the rearview mirrors to avoid any mishaps during the test drive. This step can help one feel better prepared to drive the RV later and also confirm if this is the right vehicle for them.

4. Miscalulating travel time
First-time renters may underestimate the time it takes to complete a road trip on an RV. For example, an RV might not be able to drive on all kinds of roads. So, on the trip, one may have to re-route and make more stops than expected, which can take a while. Also, an RV can be more difficult to drive than a pickup truck or other vehicles. It may not be able to make all kinds of turns. Additionally, one may find it tricky to keep up with the posted speed limit in an RV. So, it is important to account for additional time when renting an RV.

5. Not considering fuel efficiency
Most RVs will not be able to offer the same mileage as a truck or a car. But, one should learn about the exact mileage of the RV before hitting the road, as that will help one calculate the number of stops to make to refuel. Planning ahead will ensure one is not stuck on the with an empty tank of gas and no access to a gas station. Also, on the trip, one should pay attention to the road signs to figure out how far the next gas station is. One should also remember that all gas stations can accommodate an RV; some might only be equipped for cars and trucks. So, figuring out the fuel economy, gas station stops one would have to make, and starting with a full tank is crucial for a smooth trip. 

6. Setting unrealistic expectations
One may be tempted to ignore the challenges of living and driving in an RV, making them set incredibly high expectations. But living in an RV is not nearly the same as staying in a hotel room. Regardless of how spacious and luxurious the RV one rents, it will be a very different experience from vacationing in a hotel. Also, it might be difficult to change plans on the trip with an RV. This is because one has to drive for hours and have the right paperwork to park their RV. So, one may not be able to spontaneously park anywhere and everywhere. That’s why it is important to know exactly what to expect when renting an RV. Setting realistic expectations can help one plan better and enjoy living and driving in an RV.

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